Flathead
Meltdown
Since 1997, the main focus of the Flathead Meltdown has been street driven, car derived valve-in-block engines, but it now has the addition of classes for race cars and overhead valve conversions. That gives four classes as follows:
Street Flathead: All valves in block, this will likely go to a V8, but fours and twelves are included.
Four Banger Shootout: Street flathead four bangers only.
Competition Flathead: Anything flathead that’s not road going.
Outlaw Overheads: For flathead blocks with OHV conversions.
The Flathead Meltdown is open to any car with a qualifying engine and you don’t have to be VHRA member to compete.
Whilst the VHRA is proud to sponsor and promote the Flathead Meltdown, Brett Pillinger is the man in charge of putting it on. So, if you fancy taking part, send him an email by clicking HERE. There is a fee of £30 that will need to be paid to secure your spot and includes an engraved brass timing tag showing your best time of the meet. Brett will be in touch when that comes due. In addition, you will have to pay for entry to the Hot Rod Drags and Santa Pod's signing-on fee.
We're currently waiting on a confirmation of dates from Santa Pod and will update accordingly once we know.
And now for something special for 2027...
Overhead Invitational
Brett has invited VHRA members with overhead valve engine powered cars to run as guests of the Flathead Meltdown in a competition all of their own. We therefore present to you the "Overhead Invitational". This is a single class for VHRA cars that have factory OHV engines, not converted flatheads, which remain in the above Meltdown classes.
To take part in the Overhead Invitational, you must be a member of the VHRA and your car must be VHRA eligible at the point of competition. The car must be propelled by a factory OHV and be street driven.
This is a chance to test your car on one of the finest drag strips in the world, running a full quarter mile under professional conditions, with full timing facilities. We are planning a sixteen car field for the Invitational, so register ASAP as it's first come first served. A reserve list will operate once the class is full. If you wish to take part, please click HERE once dates are announced to secure your spot. As with the Meltdown, there is an entry fee of £30 that includes an engraved brass timing tag showing your best effort from the weekend. You will also have to pay for entry to the Hot Rod Drags and the strip fees when the time comes. Cars will have to meet Santa Pod's Run What You Brung rules, so be sure to check out their rules for competing. Santa Pod website
